Major changes for Dundee sides

The first Dundee derby of the season sees Grove Menzieshill and MJV Dundee Wanderers lock horns tomorrow afternoon when they begin their National League campaigns at DISC, writes our women’s hockey correspondent.

Departures and arrivals mean considerable changes to both line-ups.

The hosts will feature all three members of the Stott family for the first time, with Scotland U16 striker Ellie completing the international trio alongside mother Pauline and big sister Katie in a team that looks much stronger than their visitors.

The loss of two of Scotland’s biggest stars, defender Becky Ward to Wildcats and the retirement of midfield maestro Vikki Bunce, leaves Wanderers short on experience in all departments.

Much will depend on the

international duo Charlotte Watson and Emily Dark hitting the ground running.

With defending champions Edinburgh University also on a rebuilding exercise, the door is wide open for a title challenge. A three-way scrap between Grove, Wildcats and Clydesdale Western is most likely to develop. Fixtures include:

Tomorrow: National League

div 1: Grove Menzieshill v MJV Wanderers (DISC 2.30 pm).

Midland div 1: Brechin Thistles v St Andrews University III (Arbroath SC).

Div 2: Grove Menzieshill III v Madras II (Dawson Park 2 pm), Monarchs v St Andrews University IV (Dalnacraig 3.30 pm), Stirling University II v Perthshire III (Gannochy SC). Sunday: Midland div 1: Blairgowrie v Wanderers II (1 PM, NICC Perth).